ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

"Great, you're back!"

Seeing Caesar Clown approaching rapidly, Brad heaved a sigh of relief.

"I was anxious while waiting, so I was about to go back and check on you."

Caesar raised an eyebrow before smirking. "Don't you trust my strength?"

"As long as it's not a Golden Lion, who could possibly hunt me down? Make me unable to escape?"

"Ha! You're right about that."

The two exchanged a few words before setting sail once again toward the Goa Kingdom.

---

[36] Landing in Goa Kingdom, Young Gnali!

Three days later, at the East Blue Naval Base, Zephyr (Z) paced impatiently.

A marine colonel, his navy cap casting a shadow over his nervous face, felt cold sweat trickling down his forehead as he sensed Zephyr's growing frustration.

"Still no news on Caesar?" Zephyr's voice was low but carried weight.

The colonel swallowed hard. "N-No, sir. Apologies, but we haven't received any reports yet."

His fingers trembled involuntarily at his side.

Zephyr closed his eyes, his irritation deepening, but after a moment, it vanished. With a deep sigh, he muttered, "Forget it."

The intelligence network of the Four Seas wasn't as sophisticated as it would be in later years. Slow progress was to be expected.

But…

A dark glint flashed through Zephyr's eyes.

What exactly is that man up to?

---

Kingdom of Goa

After docking at the port, Caesar and Brad strolled through the streets of the Goa Kingdom.

Brad looked up at the towering city walls, his eyes widening. "What's with that massive wall?"

Caesar paused briefly. "It's the wall."

A barrier that separated the nobles and royals from the commoners.

"Forget about that," Caesar continued. "First, we need disguises. There's a chance the Navy has stationed troops here."

Brad hesitated for a moment before quickly catching up to him.

They entered a clothing shop and, after a short while, emerged with altered appearances.

Brad's short yellow hair was now hidden beneath a tall hat, paired with a fake mustache. His clothes had been swapped for those typical of Goa's townspeople.

Caesar, on the other hand, donned a black gentleman's hat to obscure his slick, jet-black hair. He had also changed into a well-fitted suit, making him look every bit the refined nobleman—hardly someone one would associate with pirates.

Brad glanced at him and muttered, "You look like a proper aristocrat now."

Caesar smirked but didn't respond.

"Are we heading straight for Koshiro's father, Kozaburo Shimotsuki?" Brad asked.

Caesar shook his head. "The Goa Kingdom is vast. And Kozaburo might not even be here—he could be on one of the surrounding islands. Searching for him blindly would take forever."

"The longer we delay, the greater the risk of the Navy tracking us."

He paused briefly before saying, "Follow me."

Navigating through narrow streets and alleyways, they arrived at a rundown, secluded bar.

Caesar had picked up some clues using his keen observation and knowledge.

Inside, he scanned the dimly lit space, noting a few scattered patrons, before heading straight for the bartender.

A short while later, Caesar and Brad exited the bar and left town.

Brad marveled at how starkly different the scenery became as they reached the Gray Terminal—the slums outside the Goa Kingdom. He gazed at the heaps of discarded garbage, astonished at the contrast between this place and the well-kept town.

As soon as they entered the dump, a few figures lurking in the shadows took notice of them.

However, even without releasing Haoshoku Haki, Caesar's presence alone was enough to keep troublemakers at bay. No one dared to make a move.

Eventually, they located a small intelligence network cell within the Gray Terminal.

Without wasting words, Caesar tossed a bag of gold coins onto the table.

"Find a man named Kozaburo Shimotsuki. He may have opened a dojo called Isshin Dojo."

"He wears a kimono, and his family crest should feature two crossed swords."

"The exact location is uncertain—either within the Goa Kingdom or on a nearby island."

The informant eyed the gold coins before nodding. "Leave it to us."

As they left, Brad's mind buzzed with questions. Just as he was about to speak—

Bam!

They bumped into someone emerging from the forest.

It was a young man in his early twenties, wearing tattered clothes and an old hat. He held a worn-out blade, pointing it directly at them.

Though his clothing was ragged, his stance was firm and his eyes sharp.

"Oi, hand over all your valuables."

Caesar glanced at him sideways and immediately narrowed his eyes.

"Who are you?"

The man smirked. "Hmph, my name is Gnali. You want revenge? Sure—come find me after you hand over your treasure."

Despite sensing the overwhelming strength of the two men before him, Gnali remained undeterred. His dream of setting sail pushed him forward.

"Gnali…?"

Caesar's sharp memory clicked into place.

He sifted through his recollection of One Piece's world—

Finally, he found it.

Gnali was the man who, years later, would save the lives of Luffy, Ace, and Sabo when they were nearly killed by a giant tiger.

It was rumored that he had once clashed with Gol D. Roger himself. Though he never reached legendary status, he had still been a notorious pirate in his time.

Yet, fate had been unkind to him. A silver medalist who never grasped true glory. After his defeat, he vanished—either exiled or returning here to the Goa Kingdom.

Of course, that was all in the future.

But one thing was clear—this man would grow strong.

Caesar's expression shifted subtly.

After the collapse of the Rocks Pirates, he would eventually form his own crew.

Recruiting someone like Gnali could prove valuable.

"What do you need the money for?" Caesar asked.

Gnali's eyes flickered with determination. "To fund my pirate crew."

Caesar nodded thoughtfully.

"How about joining me?"

"…Huh?"

Brad's eyes widened in shock.

Is he already planning to leave the Rocks Pirates?

Ignoring Brad's reaction, Caesar smirked and looked at Gnali.

"Well? What do you say?"

His confidence was unwavering.

A talent like Gnali was hard to come by.

After the God Valley Incident, the Rocks Pirates would fall apart.

Caesar needed to assemble his own crew—the strongest crew.

And Gnali had potential.

---

[37] Choose: Fight or Join!

Gnali didn't hesitate.

"No."

His voice was firm.

Pointing to himself, then to the open sea, he declared, "I won't be anyone's subordinate."

"My dream is to build my own crew and sail with my companions."

His eyes burned with passion.

Caesar chuckled. "Wouldn't you still be going out to sea?"

"Does being the captain really matter that much?"

Gnali scoffed. "Then will you let me be the captain?"

Caesar laughed. "Sorry—no."

"But my invitation stands."

Brad scowled. "Why are you even inviting this guy? He doesn't seem that strong."

Caesar ignored him.

Instead, his lips curled into a smirk.

BOOM.

A crushing wave of Haoshoku Haki exploded from him.

The air itself seemed to ripple.

Gnali gritted his teeth.

Would he fight?

Or would he join?